Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Turkey's main opposition boycotts CNN Turk in protest of press censorship Turkey’s main opposition party has banned its members from appearing on CNN Turk, the Turkish franchise of the US broadcasting giant, charging that the channel functions as an "advertising agency" for the government. Turkey
Egypt brings long-awaited compensation to thousands of Nubians The Egyptian government made a show of providing compensation to thousands of displaced Nubians last month, but they still cling to the hope of returning to their lost land. Egypt
Egypt's stray dogs loved, hated and feared Egypt's stray dogs are sometimes protected by residents and often shunned by the state and clerics. Egypt
Why not all Israelis are happy over Ethiopian immigrants The reason that Netanyahu’s government authorized the immigration to Israel of 400 Ethiopians might have been political, but there are no guarantees it will encourage Israeli Ethiopians to vote for the Likud in the March elections. Israel
Small Istanbul publisher sustains Armenian literature Aras Publishing has spent nearly three decades publishing forgotten classics by Armenian writers in both Turkish and the at-risk Western Armenian language. Turkey
How Saudi Arabian farmers are trying to preserve traditional coffee production Climate change, water shortages and newcomers are challenging the traditional coffee culture in Saudi Arabia, which has the 10th largest per capita consumption in the world. Saudi Arabia
Erbil court acquits pro-polygamy cleric despite women's protests An Erbil court acquitted a Kurdish cleric who called Kurdish women "dinosaurs." Iraq
Three die after Turkish plane skids off runway A fatal crash during poor weather at an Istanbul airport comes on the heels of other recent disasters, including an avalanche and earthquake, raising fears about safety in Turkey. Turkey
Publishers, writers watch from behind bars as Cairo Book Fair wraps Egypt's restrictive cultural environment marred this year's Cairo International Book Fair with the recent arrests of publishers and closures of community libraries and bookstores. Egypt
Dawn of protest: Palestinians stand against 'deal of century' at prayers Palestinians flock to holy sites in the Great Fajr Campaign, to protest the "deal of the century" and its implications for Haram al-Sharif. Palestine
Iranian actors call on Rouhani to allow cinema legend to come home Many of the Iranian actors who have supported President Hassan Rouhani are now calling in their favors by asking for veteran actor Behrouz Vossoughi's return to Iran after 40 years in the United States. Iran
Egyptian readers mourn ALEF bookstores The ALEF bookstore chain, beloved for its wide selection of books and engaging salespeople, has closed its doors after accusations of links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
